Everything feels a bit chaotic at Old Trafford right now. If you’ve been following the news, you know Michael Carrick just took the wheel as interim boss after Ruben Amorim’s exit. It's a lot. And honestly, the timing couldn't be more intense with the Manchester Derby staring them in the face this weekend. But here is the thing: everyone keeps talking about a "crisis," yet the actual man united injury updates tell a slightly different story.
The squad isn't as depleted as it was a month ago. Not even close. While the FA Cup exit to Brighton was a massive gut punch, the medical room is actually starting to clear out. It’s weird. You’d think with the results being so shaky, the list would be ten names long, but we are basically looking at one main injury and some logistical headaches.
The Matthijs de Ligt Situation
Let’s talk about the big one. Matthijs de Ligt is the name on everyone’s lips because he’s effectively the last man standing in the treatment room. Or rather, the last man sitting out. He’s been dealing with a stubborn back injury since November. Back issues are notoriously tricky for center-backs. You think you’re fine, you jump for one header, and suddenly you’re back to square one.
The latest word is that there’s still no firm return date. He missed the Burnley draw and the Brighton loss, and while fans were hoping he’d be the "surprise inclusion" for the derby, it’s looking increasingly unlikely. Without him, the pressure on Leny Yoro and Lisandro Martinez is immense. Yoro only just got back into the XI himself against Brighton, so asking him to carry the weight of a derby might be a lot.
The Midfield "Boost" That Isn't Quite a Boost Yet
Kinda funny how we celebrated the return of Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount, only for the team to struggle anyway. They both came back for the Burnley game under Darren Fletcher’s brief watch, but they are on "managed minutes." Basically, they aren't 100% fit.
- Bruno Fernandes: Dealing with the aftermath of a hamstring tweak. He’s playing, but he’s not "Bruno" yet.
- Mason Mount: Muscular issues have kept him sidelined, and while he’s getting cameos, he’s clearly lacking that sharp match rhythm.
- Kobbie Mainoo: He’s the one everyone is watching. His calf injury kept him out for four games, and while he’s back in the matchday squad, he hasn't looked like he can go the full 90.
If Carrick is going to stand a chance against City, he needs these three to find their legs immediately. You can't play "controlled football" with a midfield that is gassing out at the 60-minute mark.
The AFCON Factor: Who is actually coming back?
This is where people are getting confused. The Africa Cup of Nations is still swinging, but United’s luck changed this week. Cameroon and Ivory Coast both got knocked out in the quarter-finals.
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This is huge.
It means Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo are heading back to Manchester as we speak. Honestly, Mbeumo has been a miss. His energy on the wing is something this team desperately lacked against Brighton’s low block. Amad is also a massive creative spark.
However, don't expect Noussair Mazraoui. Morocco is still in the tournament and heading into the semi-finals against Nigeria. He’s staying in Africa until at least January 18th—and if they make the final, he might not be back in the United shirt until the Arsenal game on the 25th.
The "Silent" Absences and the Suspension
We also have to talk about Shea Lacey. The kid got sent off against Brighton after a second yellow for some, let's say, "vocal" feedback to the referee. He’s out of the derby. It’s a shame because, with the injuries thinning out, he was actually finding a path into the first-team rotation.
And what about Harry Maguire? He’s in a weird limbo. He was on the bench for the Brighton game but didn't play a single minute. Fletcher mentioned they are managing his "load" because he's been out for so long with that thigh problem. He’s technically "available," but is he "derby-ready"? Probably not.
What this means for the Manchester Derby
Basically, the man united injury updates suggest a team that is physically present but mentally and rhythmically "off." Carrick has the bodies, mostly. But he doesn't have the cohesion.
You’ve got a defense that is missing its most expensive leader (De Ligt), a midfield that is essentially a group of guys in various stages of rehab, and an attack that is waiting for two players to fly halfway across the world and get over jet lag.
Actionable Insights for the Weekend:
- Watch the Wing Selection: If Mbeumo and Amad train on Friday, they might start. If not, expect Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount to be pushed wide again, which hasn't really worked lately.
- Monitor the Center-Back Pair: If Maguire isn't trusted to start, it’s Yoro and Martinez. That’s a high-skill, but physically smaller pairing that might struggle with City’s set pieces.
- The Mainoo Factor: If Kobbie doesn't start, the midfield looks porous. Keep an eye on the starting XI an hour before kick-off; if he's not there, United's chances of controlling the tempo drop significantly.
The "injury crisis" is turning into a "fitness crisis." Having players back is great, but having them fit enough to win a derby is a different animal entirely. Carrick has his work cut out for him.
Keep an eye on the late fitness tests on Friday afternoon. That’s when we’ll know if De Ligt has made a miraculous recovery or if Carrick is going into his debut with a makeshift spine. For now, plan for a squad that is about 85% there, which, in the Premier League, usually isn't enough.